Gliomas, particularly glioblastomas, stand as one of the most prevalent and aggressive categories of brain tumors. Despite advancements in surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic modalities, the outcomes remain inadequate owing to the inherent high heterogeneity and complex biology intrinsic to these tumors. Recent discoveries have underscored the spatial heterogeneity within gliomas, where distinct tumor regions exhibit varying biological characteristics – a phenomenon believed to underpin challenges related to drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Concurrently, the significance of epigenetic modifications, encompassing events like DNA methylation and histone adjustments, has emerged as pivotal in the initiation, advancement, and resistance mechanisms of gliomas, potentially augmenting the tumor's malignancy by manipulating gene expression and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Delving into the relationship between spatial heterogeneity and epigenetic changes offers a promising avenue for crafting refined and potent targeted therapeutic strategies.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate how spatial heterogeneity and epigenetic modifications shape glioma biology and to explore their utility in formulating targeted therapy interventions. The research intends to analyze the disparate molecular and genetic profiles across different glioma regions using multi-omics techniques. Additionally, it seeks to dissect the contributory role of specific epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone changes, in fostering glioma's invasive behavior and drug resistance traits. Ultimately, by integrating insights derived from both spatial and epigenetic dimensions, the study aspires to critique and propose enhanced targeted therapeutic methodologies optimized for glioma treatment.

To gather further insights, this research is narrowed to encompass the spatial heterogeneity, epigenetic transformations, and tailored therapeutic solutions in gliomas. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Use techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry to analyze the gene expression differences across different tumor regions (e.g., central and peripheral regions).
• Investigate the molecular characteristics, intercellular interactions, and microenvironmental differences in various tumor regions.
• Study the regulatory effects of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications on gene expression in gliomas.
• Evaluate the impact of epigenetic modifications on tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance.
• Based on spatial heterogeneity and epigenetic modifications, identify potential targets to provide a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of gliomas.
• Combine clinical data to assess the efficacy of existing targeted drugs (e.g., EGFR and VEGF inhibitors) in different glioma regions.
• Explore the potential and application prospects of epigenetic targeted therapies (e.g., HDAC inhibitors, DNMT inhibitors) in gliomas.

Moreover, the contribution types we are interested in include Original Research, Reviews, and Case Reports.

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The Spatial Heterogeneity Characteristics of Glioma, Epigenetic Modification Mechanism and Targeted Therapy